Articles tagged with Breast Feeding
A new study published in Genome Biology reveals that breastfeeding leads to a wider range of beneficial microbes in the infant's gut compared to formula feeding. The research also shows that breastfed infants' immune systems have developed to cope with the differences, promoting intestinal stability and defense against pathogens.
A recent study found that breastfeeding for six months or longer comes with a hidden cost: significant income loss for mothers. Long-duration breastfeeders experienced more pronounced and prolonged earnings drops compared to short-duration breastfeeders and formula-feeders.
Longer breastfeeding with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission and improve infant survival. The study found that continued breastfeeding with prophylaxis given for an extended period may be advantageous in improving infant survival.
A large-scale randomized study found that daily antiretroviral drugs given to HIV-infected mothers or their breastfeeding babies for 28 weeks significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk. However, early weaning was found to be of little protective value against HIV transmission and may even increase infant mortality.
A study found high levels of TRAIL protein in human milk, which may contribute to its anticancer properties. Researchers detected 400- and 100-fold higher levels of TRAIL in colostrum and mature breast milk than in blood.
A study by Lund University researchers reveals that meat-eating is linked to the timing of weaning in mammals, which may have contributed to human population expansion globally. The study found that carnivorous species, including humans, have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivores and omnivores.
A recent study found that carnivorous mammals, including humans, tend to have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivorous or omnivorous species. This may be due to the higher-quality diet that allows for earlier brain development and weaning. The research suggests that meat-eating played a crucial role in human evolution and popula...
The study finds that early initiation of breastfeeding is the most equitable intervention among various maternal and newborn health interventions. Community-based interventions were more equally distributed than those delivered in health facilities, suggesting a need for targeted efforts to reach poorest individuals.
A recent study found that less than 2% of low-income mothers met breastfeeding recommendations, highlighting the need for increased support and resources. The research suggests that physicians can play a crucial role in removing barriers to breastfeeding by providing accessible information and assistance.
A qualitative study of new mothers found that the ideal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months can be unhelpful and difficult to achieve. The study suggests that more realistic and incremental goals should be set, with a focus on emotional support and family-centered care. Healthcare professionals are advised to adopt a proactive ap...
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed models to optimize breast milk distribution in South Africa and malaria intervention distribution in Swaziland, increasing coverage by over 25%. They also forecasted disaster preparedness plans for Puerto Rico and Belize, providing recommendations for health care resources and hospital capacities.
Researchers verified that WIC administrative records accurately reflect breastfeeding practices among over 2000 low-income mothers. The study's findings provide a critical resource for nationwide breastfeeding surveillance and monitoring systems.
Breastfeeding mothers may accumulate caffeine in their bodies and pass it to their babies, causing symptoms like wakefulness and irritability. A safe level of caffeine intake while breastfeeding is unclear, but experts recommend moderation.
A recent study published in Current Anthropology reveals that women who did not plan their pregnancies are more likely to stop breastfeeding within three months. The research suggests that unplanned pregnancy leads to emotional and physical discomfort, causing women to resist the close physical connection required by breastfeeding.
A new study found that breastfeeding improves lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers. Breastfed children showed significant improvements in forced mid-expiratory flow and vital capacity, but not in peak expiratory flow rates.
A study found that implementing the World Health Organization's recommendations could reduce mother-to-child transmission rates in Zimbabwe from 18% to 6-7%. This would require increased access to effective medications, support for long-term medication adherence, and safer infant feeding options.
A study found that extending nevirapine prophylaxis from 6 weeks to 6 months reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission by 54% and is safe for infants. The treatment also resulted in fewer serious adverse events compared to the placebo group.
Women with obesity may face increased risks of preterm birth, respiratory complications, and poor breastfeeding rates. However, with proper education, motivation, and medical care, they can have healthy pregnancies and successful outcomes for both mother and baby.
Research from Concordia and McGill universities found that breastfeeding protected infants from contaminated food and water, while also postponing the arrival of siblings, leading to improved maternal and child health. French-Canadian children who were weaned earlier faced a disproportionate number of deaths.
Although breastfeeding initiation has improved to 75% globally, the duration remains a concern. A series of articles in Breastfeeding Medicine proposes various approaches to encourage longer duration, including community-based public health programs and prenatal education.
A new study found a significant association between adolescent alcohol consumption and increased risk of benign breast disease among girls with a family history of breast cancer. Consuming more alcohol was linked to a higher risk, particularly in those with rapid height growth spurts.
A randomized clinical trial found that breastfeeding in mature feeders reduced behavioral pain scores in preterm neonates. However, the study did not show significant benefits for all breastfed infants and raised concerns about potential negative effects on developing brains.
Studies highlight obstacles to increasing breastfeeding rates among low-income mothers, including lack of support and knowledge. Community health workers emphasize the need for additional education and resources to promote breastfeeding.
Researchers found that low-income fathers have a positive view of breastfeeding but lack specific knowledge about its benefits. They also reported feeling limited in their ability to influence their partner's decision to breastfeed.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that breastfed babies initially experience more night wakings and disrupted sleep patterns. However, these differences typically stabilize within six months, with all sleep patterns becoming comparable to non-breastfed babies.
A Spanish study found that women with higher education levels breastfed for longer periods, especially during the 1960s and 1990s. The researchers attribute this trend to increased access to healthcare services and advice from healthcare professionals, which helped maintain breastfeeding rates.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that oxycodone is not safer for breastfed infants than codeine, contradicting previous assumptions. The research surveyed 533 women who took codeine, oxycodone, or acetaminophen during breastfeeding and reported symptoms of central nervous system depression in their children.
A study found that breast-feeding mothers are more likely to display aggression when threatened, with lower blood pressure levels. This increased courage is believed to be linked to the reduction of stress response in these women.
A large global study concludes that exclusive breastfeeding for four months or longer does not protect against childhood eczema. The study, involving 51,119 children in 21 countries, suggests that the current guidelines on breastfeeding and eczema prevention need to be reviewed.
Valley Presbyterian Hospital will receive a $500,000 grant to implement policies and procedures promoting exclusive breastfeeding among new mothers. The three-year initiative aims to enhance the hospital's ability to provide intensive training, new procedures, and postnatal support to encourage more mothers to rely on breast milk.
A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months had a reduced risk of developing asthma-related symptoms. The study also showed that the longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with fewer wheezing episodes.
Women with breastfeeding difficulties in the first two weeks after giving birth are more likely to experience postpartum depression at two months, according to a new study. The study found that women who disliked breastfeeding and those with severe breast pain were at higher risk of depression.
A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that using hypoallergenic baby formula does not decrease the risk of allergies in high-risk infants. The trial involved 620 infants and assessed whether hypoallergenic formula could prevent childhood eczema, asthma, or hay fever up to seven years of age.
New research from the American Academy of Neurology found that breastfeeding does not have a protective effect on multiple sclerosis relapses. In fact, women with high disease activity and high risk of postpartum relapses may need to resume MS treatment after giving birth.
A new clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety of a promising HIV prevention gel, tenofovir gel, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The study aims to provide critical information on the safety of using tenofovir gel during pregnancy and lactation.
The study examines various factors that contribute to childhood obesity, such as genetic predisposition, breastfeeding, TV watching, neighborhood environment, and cultural influences. The researchers have collected data from approximately 400 families and are beginning a third wave of data collection.
A study found that early nutrition, specifically breast milk versus formula feeding, can impact a child's growth and metabolic profile. After four months, the protein content of infant formulas played a key role in inducing differences in blood insulin levels and growth patterns between groups.
A new study from Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that breastfeeding mothers respond more emotionally to their infants' cries, with greater activity in caregiving brain regions. This is the first paper to examine neurobiological mechanisms linked to breastfeeding and maternal behaviors.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers are perceived as less competent than non-breasting mothers, with biases detected among both men and women. This prejudice may deter some women from breastfeeding, highlighting the need for greater support to overcome negative experiences.
Researchers have developed a method to assess breast cancer risk using epithelial cells found in breast milk. The study showed that average RASSF1 methylation levels were higher in biopsied breasts compared to non-biopsied breasts, suggesting a potential correlation between epigenetic signals and breast cancer risk.
A study found that genetic mutations leading to HIV/AIDS resistance in infants may develop from maternal antiretroviral drugs via breastfeeding. The authors suggest monitoring infants exposed to breast milk with low levels of ARVs and tailoring treatment accordingly.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brain growth in babies is linked to maternal investment, including duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding period. The research suggests that longer pregnancies and breastfeeding periods result in bigger brains for babies.
A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.
A study by researchers at the University of Granada found that preterm mothers' milk has lower coenzyme Q10 concentrations, a key antioxidant. The results suggest that breast milk from term mothers has higher levels of this essential nutrient compared to preterm mothers.
A randomized controlled trial found that a triple-drug regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces HIV transmission to infants. The study's findings support the use of long-term treatment for women with low CD4 cell counts and ARV prophylaxis for all breastfeeding mothers.
A study published in Journal of Nutrition found that breastfed adolescents had stronger leg muscles and better performance in horizontal jumping. Prolonged breastfeeding was associated with increased lower body explosive strength during adolescence.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has set ambitious targets to improve breastfeeding rates in the country. The Healthy People 2020 goals aim to increase the percentage of Baby Friendly Hospitals and workplaces that accommodate working mothers, as well as reduce formula supplementation during maternity hospital stays.
A study found that breastfeeding does not harm a child's IQ when taking seizure medication, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The research followed 194 pregnant women and their 199 babies, with no significant difference in IQ scores between breastfed and non-breastfed children.
A recent study published in Neurology found no significant difference in IQ scores between breastfed and non-breasted babies of mothers taking epilepsy drugs. The study, which followed 194 pregnant women taking one epilepsy drug, suggests that breastfeeding may not have a negative impact on cognitive skills.
Pediatric researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a program to guide mothers in breast-feeding their newborns with complex birth defects. The Transition to Breast Pathway improved breast-feeding rates, reduced infant stays in the NICU, and lowered the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
A study by Dr. Hatem Azim found that breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer treatment, contrary to common advice. Successful long-term breastfeeding was associated with type of breast surgery and post-delivery lactation counseling.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that postpartum intervention/support can significantly reduce smoking relapse and increase breastfeeding duration. Mothers who quit smoking during or just prior to pregnancy, received support and encouragement, remained smoke free and continued breastfeeding for longer periods.
Non-Hispanic Black/African American women are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding due to a lack of desire and self-efficacy. Fifty-four percent of black women start breastfeeding, which is lower than the national average, according to research presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A University of Georgia study suggests that mothers who consume a diet high in trans fats double the likelihood that their infants will have high levels of body fat. Infants whose mothers consumed more than 4.5 grams of trans fats per day while breastfeeding were twice as likely to have high percentages of body fat.
A new Australian study found that almost one in four mothers introduced fruit juice, biscuits, and cakes to their infants by six months of age. This early introduction to unhealthy foods is a concern as it can lead to lifelong eating habits and an increased risk of obesity.
Research reveals that breastfeeding significantly reduces mothers' risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Mothers who did not breastfeed had a 56% lower rate compared to those who breastfed, highlighting the benefits of lactation on maternal health.
New studies suggest that vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements may increase the amount of HIV in breast milk, potentially leading to mother-to-child transmission. The research found that these nutrients can raise the risk of developing subclinical mastitis, an inflammatory condition that causes viral particles to leak into the milk.
A common problem in newborns, tongue ties can hinder breastfeeding and lead to feeding problems. Researchers recommend a simple procedure called frenotomy to correct the issue, which can improve breastfeeding outcomes.